Licensing Rush at DMV Met with Long Lines

Photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

Drivers who wanted to beat the deadline before today’s legal presence law went into effect, were met with long lines on Friday at the DMV.

Individuals say they waited about three hours during the midday rush.  Dozens of people stood in a line that snaked along the counter window within the Kahului facility as they began their wait.

Many were trying to avoid the additional requirements that begin today.

Kahului DMV. Photo by Wendy Osher.

The Legal Presence Law requires individuals applying for a driver license, license renewal, or a learner permit to provide proof of 4 things including: legal name, birth date, social security number and legal presence in the US.

If you bring a certified or original birth certificate and a valid social security card, most people would have all requirements met; however, additional requirements may apply–including for those that married and changed their name, in which case a certified marriage license would be needed.

The legal presence guidelines were passed in Hawaii in 2010.  What that means is, a person is either a US citizen or is legally authorized to be in the United States.

State officials say the legislation stems from the 9-11 terrorist attacks, in which terrorists were found to be carrying state IDs and driver licenses from a variety of states.

A list of alternate forms of documentation is listed on the Department of Transportation website at Hawaii.gov/dot.